Child Scientists Needed, Birth - 8 years old

Thank you for visiting our website! Every baby and child is a valued contributor to our work. We invite you to learn more about your child by participating in studies of every aspect of language development.

Take a Tour of our Lab

What one parent says: "I never worry if he will do the right or wrong thing. I personally think it's a good thing for us to do as they look at the development of children. This kind of research is helping them figure out how to deal with development issues."

What can we expect?: Typically, a researcher will first send a letter to your home with an invitation to participate. Most are one-time visits that last anywhere from 20-50 minutes. Occasionally researchers need participants in a longitudinal study involving multiple visits. Of course it is totally up to you and your schedule if you can come in. Researchers are sensitive to your needs and appointments can be made during the day, evening or weekend. Parking is free and babysitters are always available to watch any siblings you need to bring.

Lab Manager:
The Lab Manager coordinates and keeps track of everything and everybody. Any questions? Contact the lab manager.

Postdoctoral Scientists:
The lab also includes post-doctoral scientists who have received their Ph.D. and continue their research.

Graduate Students:
Also in the lab are graduate students who have a specific research interest related to the development of early language and seek a Ph.D. degree.

Honor Students and Undergraduates:
We also have a team of wonderful undergraduates who are learning to conduct research, including Honor Students, who are advanced and focus on their own project. All undergraduates are closely supervised.

Our research: It is about perception, action, emotion, play and learning categories. We are funded by 3 federal grants to understand how all your child's everyday activities make them the amazing learners that they are and how to help children who are having difficulties in these areas. Because much of our research concerns children growing and learning in different cultures, we compare how children learn different languages. When your child comes into the lab, they are often doing tasks that children in Japan, Mexico or India will also do!

11th and Fee Parking Garage: There are 6 FREE spaces for parents to park. As you enter the garage, keep straight, staying on the first floor, then turn left toward the elevator EXIT with the blue emergency light. On the right-hand side, next to the windows there are parking spaces marked "RESERVED - Psychology Research Participants Only". Your researcher will greet you there with a parking pass for your vehicle. You will also be given a signed parking pass to give to the parking attendant as you exit the parking garage.